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Benson

Season 3

22 listed hours · 1979–1986 · ABC

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From the desk

How this season is filed

Filed by Julian Hart · The Binge Brief

Robert Guillaume takes Soap's butler into a governor's mansion and wins on deadpan competence. A spin-off that promotes a Black supporting player to long-running lead without punching-bag dignity. Guillaume controlling every scene, then climbing the statehouse ladder while political chaos stays the joke around him.

TV Flash files Season 3 of Benson (1979–1986) on ABC as a mid listed season (3; 3 of 7) — 22 listed hours, 1981-11-06–1982-05-14 from “Benson's Appointment” (S03E01) to “Black Tuesday” (S03E22). Titles, dates, and synopses on file — no invented recaps.

Desk essentials in this season

  1. S03E01 Benson's Appointment

    Benson's Appointment is the title as a promotion. Statehouse ladder climbing in sitcom clothes: Guillaume controlling every scene, politics as the workplace, the butler brief already outgrown.

  1. S03E01

    Benson's Appointment

    When the Governor approaches Benson about wanting to appoint him as the new Budget Director, a position that requires senate confirmation, Benson is hesitant to accept the position, but reluctantly agrees to go through the hearings. However, a senator on the committee threatens to hold things up by bringing up something from Benson's past.

  2. S03E02

    The Grass Ain't Greener

    Benson goes undercover to investigate conditions in a prison.

  3. S03E03

    Sit-In

    In Benson's office, a conductor holds a concert in protest.

  4. S03E04

    Double Exposure

    Benson must help an FBI agent uncover a bribe scandal.

  5. S03E05

    The Lobbyist

    Benson's innocent approval of his lobbyist-girlfriend's project brings corruption charges against him.

  6. S03E06

    Stress

    The governor tries to alleviate tension among the staff.

  7. S03E07

    Rainbow's End

    Benson learns that his old flame is confined to a wheelchair.

  8. S03E08

    Once in a Blue Moon

    After Clayton is assaulted, Benson approves of tighter security.

  9. S03E09

    Kraus Falls in Love

    Kraus falls for a man she can't have.

  10. S03E10

    Stocks & Options

    The staff dabbles in the stock market with disastrous results.

  11. S03E11

    Kraus's Deadly Mistake

    Believing she will die soon, Kraus tries to seize the day.

  12. S03E12

    Wild Irish Rose

    A former governor visits along with his attractive niece.

  13. S03E13

    Street Gangs

    Benson tries to help a street gang stay out of trouble.

  14. S03E14

    Katie's Romance

    Katie develops a crush on Pete after he accompanies her to a gymnastics meet.

  15. S03E15

    Clayton's Condo

    Clayton buys an apartment building, not knowing Benson is now one of his tenants.

  16. S03E16

    Getting Even

    Benson concocts revenge for a wealthy investor who sexually harasses Denise.

  17. S03E17

    Pete the Hero

    Pete borrows Benson's car and gets into a wreck that leads to the capture of armed thieves.

  18. S03E18

    In the Red

    Benson is the victim of an IRS audit.

  19. S03E19

    Teed Off

    A golf foursome leads to acrimony among the governor and his male assistants.

  20. S03E20

    The Party's Over

    The governor learns his party won't support his renomination.

  21. S03E21

    The Lumber Mill

    Governor Gatling decides to run for reelection as an independent.

  22. S03E22

    Black Tuesday

    The governor's reelection campaign appears to have ended in failure.

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